In North America and most developed countries, T. canis infestation of domesticated dogs is very uncommon as long as they are properly cared for and healthy.

Females also differ from males in the fact that they possess a special organ that is located from underneath the end of the abdomen.

As a member of the genus Trichodectes, T. canis usually have antennae with three segments and a single claw at each tarsus.

In addition, T. canis possess a pair of degenerate eyes and hair-like appendages from their antennae that function for perception.

Trichodectes canis, known for their ability to tolerate extremes in temperature, are found in many different regions worldwide.

However, this louse has been found on wild canines as well – on gray wolves in Canada (1934), and coyotes in Texas and Kansas (1959).

In addition to the domestic dog, T. canis is known to inhabit C. lupus, C. aureus, C. latrans, Dusicyonculpaeus, Cerdocyonthous, Vulpesbengalensis and Viverracivetta as well.

Trichodectes canis lives in temperate, terrestrial, and tropical habitats, both urban and suburban.

When inhabiting hosts that are unhealthy or live in the wilderness, T. canis is able to build up large populations.

T. canis' modified mouthparts including mandibles with no maxillary palps are used to scrape the hosts' skin to feed.

Trichodectes canis may cause the host to become stressed, resulting in an increased risk of contracting infectious diseases.